The council has embraced the More Ball Games initiative – led by inequality charity London Sport and supported by the advertising agency Saatchi & Saatchi – as part of wider drive to put children’s rights at the heart of its work.
The first redesigned sign, a basketball hoop installation, was unveiled at the Mursell Estate in Stockwell earlier this week with support from the council leader and the London Lions basketball team.
More Ball Games highlights the need to reclaim public spaces for young people and calls on policymakers to remove barriers to play and physical activity.
Speaking at the launch event, Councillor Claire Holland, the Leader of Lambeth Council said she was delighted to support this campaign.
Cllr Holland said: “Our child-friendly policy asks for children to be made welcome on the estates where they live. ‘No ball games’ signs do not help children feel part of their community.
“This campaign is really vital for us in terms of building a child-friendly borough so that we can ensure that every child has the opportunity to play sport, get fit, play with their friends and lead happy and fruitful lives.
“Having a campaign such as this is beautiful because it really contributes to our mission to be the best borough in London for children.”
The council has already removed 61 signs from 10 estates across Lambeth without any complaints and has now committed to taking down the rest over the next six months.
The move aligns with Lambeth’s goal of becoming a UNICEF UK Child Friendly Community, ensuring that young people have safe and accessible spaces to stay active.
While most signs will be taken down, Lambeth will review any locations where safety concerns may require them to remain. The council is encouraging residents to engage with the campaign and help shape a more inclusive environment for children across the borough.
For more information, visit Child Friendly Lambeth or join the More Ball Games movement.
